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Michael R. Wittenstein
Michael R. Wittenstein
Obituary
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Michael Wittenstein Obituary
Michael R. Wittenstein loved game shows, the Jets and Mets, and good (or, truth to tell, bad) jokes. When he graduated from the State University of New York at Albany 13 years ago, he told friends he planned to be a proctologist or a game show host. Don't ask.
Instead, he became a bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald, working in London and California, as well as New York. He was delighted when the firm did away with its dress code; ever after, he was sighted only in khakis and polo shirt.
He was on the phone with a client in California when an explosion rocked the skyscraper. He called back to apologize that the phone had been disconnected.
In April, he moved out of his parents' home in Seaford, on Long Island, to live with his fiancée, Carrie Bernstein, in Hoboken, N.J. They were supposed to be married this Saturday. Ms. Bernstein went to a Devils- Rangers hockey game the other night with his brother Jeffrey. "She seems all right," he said.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Carolee Maclellan
September 11, 2019
Mrs. Wittenstein and family,
Just wanted to mention that I will always remember Michael. I fondly think of him often and always on the anniversary of 9/11. He brightened up so many of my school days from the 4th through 12th grades. Michael was truly one of the most special people I have known to date.
Carolee (Bongiovi) Maclellan
September 11, 2019
To Mrs. Wittenstein and family,
Just want to mention that I will never forget Michael. I fondly think of him often and always on the anniversary of 9/11. He truly brightened up so many of my school days from the 4th through 12th grades. He truly was one of the most special people I have known to date.
Carolee (Bongiovi) Maclellan
September 11, 2019
To Michaels Family,
I grew up with Michael in Seaford. I just want you to know that he is remembered with warmth and love. Wishing you peace today,
Susan (McNamara) Warshauer
Kerry Brennan
September 12, 2018
Jeff did you proud yesterday. You remain forever remembered, forever missed. Prayers of strength and comfort to the Wittenstein Family.
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Ed O'Connell
September 11, 2018
AKA Hogan of the intramural Suny Albany "Dirtbags" softball team. Michael lived across the hall from me at Albany. I will always remember him as a great guy with a great big smile. RIP
September 11, 2015
God Bless you Turtle, you will never be forgotten my friend
Tracey Marino
September 10, 2015
Rest in Peace, Michael.
Jeffrey Germain
August 8, 2015
I morn the souls of each and every one on that dreadful day. Michael, your father,Arnold ,was my science teacher at Cunningham jhs in Brooklyn back in '64'......he, as a family member of a victim, even saddens me more!!! rest in peace Michael....you would have continued in his footsteps as being a great man.
Susan Johns
September 13, 2013
You are missed but never forgotten. Bless your family and give them strength to carry on but always you will be in there thoughts and hearts
Kerry Brennan
September 12, 2013
Forever in the hearts of those who loved him. Keeping the Wittenstein family in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosie Prestin
September 11, 2013
Always Remembered. God Bless.
Maria
September 11, 2013
GOD BLESS YOU!! NEVER FORGET!!
Kerry Brennan
September 11, 2012
Keeping Michael and all the Wittensteins in my prayers today. We will never forget.
Kathleen Kraus
September 25, 2011
Michael was a friend of a friend. We think of his family each year. With sympathy.
Susan Johns
September 10, 2011
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR fAMILY , YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED
Leslie Matteson
September 9, 2011
I worked with Michael at Cantor in LA, when they were transitioning ops back to New York. We had alot of fun Michael at Disneyland one weekend, and he bought us tshirts to remember the occasion...We had blast...What a funny, funny guy he was, and what a great dispostion. We spoke breifly when he became a trader, he was so proud of himself. God Bless you Michael, what a wonderful addition you were in my life, though so briefly. God Speed Buddy, where-ever your voyage takes you...And too the Wittenstein Family, God bless you, Michael was precious gift...
Adrienne & Sam Granirer
July 20, 2011
Our thoughts are with the Wittenstein Family each year as 9/11 approaches.
As we all know, life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears will dry, smiles may fade but the memories live on forever. It is our prayer that those loving memories will give each of you strength.
Caryn Hinson
May 5, 2011
I actually received a call from a reporter, she asked "as we approach a decade, how have things been?" I could not get past the fact that it has been 10 years since I heard your voice, saw your smile and was able to hug you! You were such an exceptional person and I miss you now more than ever. Truly a day does not go by that I do not think about you and the vacancy left in all our hearts. Even as we got OBL, there wasn't that ahhhh moment, I believed would come, you are still gone and that hurts more than I could ever put into words. I really hope there is something more in this life, I will take that glimmer of hope that one day I will see your crocked smile again. I miss and love you big brother, more than I can ever express.
John Russo
October 26, 2010
Saw a memorial the other day and made me think of Mike. We will never forget.
Gina Pacillio
September 11, 2009
Gone but not forgotten, my old friend from Cantor.....my condolences to your family on this sad day.
Aaron Buckles
September 11, 2009
Today and every September 11 I can't help but think of my old pal Mark Hershkowitz and his beloved nephew Michael.
Both gone, but never forgotten.
Kerry Brennan
September 11, 2009
Rest in peace Michael. You will never be forgotten.
Jamie Smith
September 11, 2009
We will never forget. Rest in peace.
Georgia Gonder
September 10, 2009
In remembrance.
Doug Abraham
February 1, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Meredith Start
September 11, 2008
Another year has gone by but you are not and never will be forgotten.
Doug Abraham
February 1, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Meredith Start
September 11, 2007
As another anniversary of your ascending into heaven passes, know that you, and the ones you love, are not forgotten.
P Tabbernor
April 21, 2007
In remembrance....
Caryn Hinson
September 17, 2006
Michael- another year has come and gone and the hole you left in our lives is huge. I mourn your passing everyday. I mourn the life you missed out on and things you were to do. I tuck my kids in at night and my heart breaks that you will never know that feeling. I mourn the children you should have had, the life you should have led! We miss you and love you, Mike. You had so much to offer and such a promising life ahead of you. You will always be remembered, loved and missed!
Meredith Start
September 11, 2006
Happy 5th Anniversary in Heaven. You and your loved ones will always be in my thoughts, heart, and prayers.
Ms. Dias
September 11, 2006
I am a teacher from Connecticut that never meet Micheal, but today, as we remember those who died 5 years ago, I was asked to pray for him, and so I have been doing! He is in my prayers not only today for forever!
Barbara Wittenstein
September 3, 2006
Michael, five years since that horiffic day, and we still think of you constantly, we will always miss you so much and love you, take good care, you have two beautiful nephews named for you. Our love always, Mom and Dad
Meredith Start
September 12, 2005
It's hard to believe it has been four years since that dreadful day. You will never be forgotten.
God Bless You and All Who Hold You Dear.
Caryn, Sister
May 14, 2005
You are still in our hearts, We miss you everyday.
Meredith Start
September 11, 2004
Happy 3rd Anniversary in Heaven. You will never be forgotten.
God Bless You and Yours
Michelle Henson
February 26, 2004
Michael, I remember you daily and pray that you are at peace. Mr. and Mrs. Wittenstein, and family, my sincerest wishes for your comfort and peace. You are in my prayers constantly.
Barbara Wittenstein
October 10, 2003
Dear Michael, another year has gone by and we miss you so so much. You now have a new nephew named Michael who was born on 9/l5/03 to Caryn and John, he weighed 8lbs 20z and he is just adorable, some people say he looks like you. Well my dear son, rest in peace and we love you very much. Love and Kisses Mom
Mark Hershkowitz
September 11, 2003
Dear Michael
We miss you so much. I think of you every day. I wear the bracelet your mom sent all the time. Everyone wants to see it and read it. XXXXOOOOO
Uncle Mark
September 10, 2003
Dear Wittenstein family - I am a distant cousin of yours and on this eve of 9/11 am thinking of Michael and your family. Although we have neve met, I thought you should know that you are in my thoughts. I hope that you find some comfort in knowing that people are sending postive thoughts your way.
Estelle Hammer Koh
March 6, 2003
Sadly, I recently learned about Mike's passing. I met Mike, or "Hogan", as we called him then, when he lived across the hall from me in the dorms at Suny Albany in 1986. Although I had not spoken to Mike in many years, I remember him fondly. I wish to express my condolences to his family and fiancee. May he rest in peace.
Michael Tomkins
March 4, 2003
It was with great sadness that I discovered this past week the loss of my fellow SUNYA classmate, my friend, Michael or “Hogan” as we affectionately called him. Michael was one of my dorm room suite mates (1986-1989). He was always cheerful and never was there a time that he could not brighten up our day with a joke or two. He and his friends roughed me up during the Mets/Redsox Series because I kept cheering for the Redsoxs everytime they got a hit. Afterwards he continually teased me about Billy Buckner’s miss. He was so passionate about those Mets. Game time, he would put his jersey and hat on and pace around the room. I lost touch with him a couple of years after college, but then ran into him at a Block Buster Video Store in Staten Island about 11 years ago. What luck! We got together shortly thereafter at Monmouth Park and caught up. I had not spoken with him since that time.
I will miss you Hogan. I am proud to have known your son, Mr. and Mrs. Wittenstein and am glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of his life.
Sally Cohen-Alameno
October 25, 2002
I wanted to tell you that October 20th has come and gone now, for the second year, and I thought about you and Carrie all day. We love and miss all of you guys immensely.
Barbara Wittenstein
September 20, 2002
My dearest Michael, a year has passed since that horrible day, and I still can't believe you are gone, Dad was in Israel and planted trees in your memory, a beautiful gesture. Please my dear son, rest in peace and send me some kind of message that you are ok, I will be waiting patiently, LOVE, ya! Mom
Caryn Hinson
September 12, 2002
Michael-
It is hard to believe that 1 year has passed since I last heard your voice and saw your smiling face. I am grateful that I had the honor and priviledge to call you my brother. It is inconcievable that a single act of cowardice and hatred stole you from us. My soul is restless, I will never understand how or why others so filled with hate accomplished this act or why God allowed such an injustice to happen. I find comfort in knowing you were not alone, you had 657 co-workers and friends by your side. Know that I miss you everyday, Michael. You were my friend, my big brother and my hero. I love you, you are always in my thoughts.
Robert Ashton
September 11, 2002
Michael was a 1989 graduate of the University at Albany. Today, the first anniversary of his loss, his alma mater planted two trees in memory of him, the other seventeen alumni lost with him, and the thousands of other voices silenced so brutally and suddenly. We share in the grief of the families and renew our commitment to the value of each human life.
Barry Hershkowitz
September 11, 2002
Continuing the remarks of September 1, 2002
***********
I would like to thamk all who are here this afternoon on behalf of my entire family. My wife , Barbara, and Michael's financee, Carrie would have wished to be here with us today, and in a special way, I know they are with us.
As time went by and Michael has not been identified yet, it became very important to me to have this memorial prior to the anniverary of September 11th.
At this time my thoughts went back to my father-in-law, William Hershkowitz. His pride and satisfaction had always been his children, Barry, Barbara and Mark, and when they married, their spouses, Elaine, Ingrid and myself. His pride was in the way they loved on another and were supportive of on another. As grandchildren and great grandchildren came along this loving and sharing they had for one another grew greater. This was His family, and so it is so appopriate that each branch of the family is here today in a show of love and solidarity. I want to publically thank my sister-in-law, Elaine and brother-in-law, Barry for their emotional support today. It is but another proof of their love and support.
It is so appropriate that we honor Michael by planting of trees in Israel, a living memorial to his character and love. We are here today to pay honor to a living memorial, to a loving son, brother, uncle nephew, cousin , finace and friend. We love you Michael and miss you.
Arnold Wittenstein (Father)
Barry Hershkowitz
September 11, 2002
Continuing the remarks of September 1,2002
**************
Tragedies are what happen to someone else,--you never expect it to happen to you...and when it does it brings upon you an unbearable emptiness and sadness..it is perhaps the most personal isolation that one could know.
Today, yesterday was Yartzeit for Michael, who was murdered in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. We all know that..but we all weren't lucky enough to have known him and those of us who did were just that, lucky.
He was a delight..a joy to be with and a joy to love.
I guess because we lived here in Israel, Israel was always part of hime. Well it certainly was with his parents, Barbara and Arnold. I never realized how important that connection was until now, these last few days.
These trees, this placque, this dedication is so very important to us, that I won't even attempt to explain why, just that it is.
So, of course, I want to thank Barbara and Arnold, Caryn and Jeffrey, John and Hillary, for the dedication of this grove of trees in Michael's name. It means more to us than you can imagine.
Barry Hershkowitz (Uncle)
Barry Hershkowitz
September 11, 2002
The following remarks were made on September 1,2002 at the dedication to a Memorial for Michael at the American Independance Park in Jerusalem.
************
Let me start by thanking each and everyone of you for being here on this special day.
Today, we are planting a symbol of life, the life that was taken from our beloved Michael.
Although, he is no longer with us, Michael is the life in each and everyone of us.
Michael is the smile in our faces, the sparkle in our eyes, the love that we share. He is the sun that shines and the stars that show every night. He is the blue sky above us and the earth below.
Michael is the tree of Live
Chana Hershkowitz (cousin)
sari meyer
September 10, 2002
Dear Michael,
We all miss you. My entire family thinks of you with kindness.
Love,
Sari
June & Willi Nonnenmann
September 10, 2002
Our Thoughts are with you and family.
Michael Rest in Peace.
Meredith Start
September 9, 2002
Happy 1st Anniversary in Heaven. You will never be forgotten.
CATHY WILDEMAN-HOLT
June 12, 2002
TO MICHAEL'S FAMILY,
THIS EXCERPT OF A STORY ABOUT MICHAEL FROM LEGACY.COM (NY TIMES) WAS SENT TO ME BY MY SISTER-IN-LAW (SHE THOUGHT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT)ALONG WITH THIS GUEST BOOK, SO I THOUGHT I MIGHT SEND YOU A MESSAGE.
YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS CONSTANTLY, AND I OFTEN THINK OF MIKE SINCE THIS HORRIFIC EVENT HAS HAPPENED. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED AND HE WAS SUCH A FUNNY, LOVING PERSON WHEN I WAS WITH HIM. I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM. TAKE CARE AND KNOW THAT HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU.
May 24, 2002
MAY THE BEAUTIFUL YOUNG SOUL OF MICHAEL R.WITTENSTEIN AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE AMEN.
eileen williams
April 2, 2002
I never knew Michael but worked with his dad, Arnold, and would just like to extend my deepest condolences on this saddest of occasions. My thought and prayers are with you and your family. May these victims never be forgotten by the American people.
Barbara Wittenstein
March 15, 2002
Dearest Michael, It has been 6 months since this horrific accident. We miss you so very much and you are in our hearts always. Your picture is hanging all over and we keep looking at you. The hurt will never go away. Please Michael rest in peace and love and kisses always. Love, Mom and Dad
Mom and Dad
February 4, 2002
Hi Mike, just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday, I know i am late with this message, but have a good one and we miss you so very much, all our love and kisses, Mom and Dad
Susan Gerardi
February 1, 2002
I came to know Michael (Turtle) when I visited Andy Alameno's guest book. Andy’s wife, Sally, had contacted me and I am so thankful that she did. Through her, I have come to know these extraordinary men. Carrie had written about Turtle in Andy's guest book and I was determined to find him on this site...but I had no last name, no first name just his nickname. So I searched and searched and then, there he was. What a joyful face! I smile whenever I think of Turtle’s and Andy’s smile. I am grateful for coming to know them through Sally and Carrie.
January 16, 2002
Mike~~~Every time I called my Brother at work, You answered the phone. Whenever I visted him, you where always the funniest guy there. I remeber July 4th at your place, watching the ships go by. I miss you, my brother misses you, everyone misses you.
Benyamin Cirlin
January 10, 2002
May Michael's memory be for a blessing.
January 4, 2002
I happened to come upon Michael's picture and upon recognizing his face, saw it was Turtle. It's such a shame that I couldn't remember him earlier - we all had silly nicknames and I still look for people according to face, not name because there is no Alf, Dog or Turtle.
My condolences, tears and prayers are with you now and always.
Michelle Henson
December 29, 2001
I went to elementary, jr. high, and high school with Michael. We had the same initials, both had glasses and braces, saame teachers, the works. I must admit however, Michael had the better sense of humor. Everything was about sports (the Mets) or current events of some sort. Many of his jokes were under his breath so that only the lucky few of us sitting near him could hear. I don't imagine Michael changed much since those wonderful days. I am sure he became a wonderful man with a bright smile and a brighter future. I am so sorry for the loss his family, fiancee and friends must endure. I am sorry we all have lost such a wonderful person from our world. God bless all of you, you are in my prayers constantly.
With love,
Michelle (Williamson) Henson
Barbara Wittenstein
December 11, 2001
My Dearest Son, It has been three months since that horiffic accident that took you away from us and it does not get better, we miss you so so much, please dear Michael rest in peace, we love you so so much, Love and Many Kisses, Mom and Dad
December 9, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS MICHAEL R.WITTENSTEIN
AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS
HIS FAMILY FRIENDS AND FIANCE.GOD
BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Teresa Jahn
December 2, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Sally Cohen-Alameno
December 1, 2001
Turtle - that's what they called Mike at work, that's what my 5 year old son called Daddy's friend who almost broke his nose at Paul's house a few summers ago... Andy and I were so happy to be going to the wedding, in fact it would be the very first time in five and a half years that we would sleep away from our kids...what an unbelievable shame. I have great memories of Andy calling in to the office from vacations and just chatting away with Turtle for far too long ... they enjoyed each other so much! Carrie, he was a wonderful man and no one can take those memories away from any of us. I will always be here for you.
Eleanor Kane
November 22, 2001
Yesterday Paul told us of the memorial Service to be held today for ichael. Though we cannot be there in person, our hearts and thoughts will be with you and the family as you share memories of Michael.I am so thankful for the many happy memories he gave us, especially , when after his Bar Mitzvah, he chose to spend his summer with us in California. We had SO much fun: Rodeo Drive, searching for the perfect Stetson, the most colorful Hawaiian shirt and souvenirs for the family; Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm; card games and Mexican dominoes with the Buttefields; and the nightly ice cream marathons between him and Harry! Will always remember that summer fondly -- so
thank you for giving us those months with Michael. You both, Carrie and the family will always be in our prayers.
Love,
Aunt Elle and Joe
Mike & Carrie - December 2000
Carrie Bernstein
November 4, 2001
Thank you for coming Roller Blading with Ed and me on Saturday, October 17, 1998, and for seeing the special connection that we had. Thank you especially for having patience for my initial blindness to that connection.
Thank you for enjoying all of the things that we did together and for making everything so fun for me too. Whether it was going to a Mets game, the gym, just watching TV, or having a romantic dinner – we always had fun. Except maybe at IKEA.
I know Michael would be mad if I didn’t say Thank you for being so smart. He truly got all of the answers on Jeopardy correct. I don’t think an episode went by without him saying, “Sometimes I scare myself I’m so smart” or “Carrie, tell me, how does is feel to be with the smartest man in the world?” He also taught me all about Gene Rayburn and Match Game; and of course, he taught me all about The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the WWF.
Thank you for opening doors for me, for helping me put my coat on in the winter, for bringing me flowers and giving me cards – just because. Thank you for turning around to help me cross a puddle in the rain, for always carrying the heavy bags and for all of the little things that made my married girlfriends elbow their husbands to take notice of and that made all of my friends and family say, “He’s a good one.”
Thank you for suggesting and taking ballroom dancing lessons so that we would know how to dance at our wedding and for dreaming of the future with me.
Thank you for having a wonderful family who accepted me in as part of them so easily and for caring about becoming a part of my family.
Thank you for saying I love you every morning, every night, and a few times in between.
On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, I skipped going to the gym so that I could sleep a little longer. When Michael came over to say goodbye, I said that I was sorry. I think I was talking about not going to the gym, but Michael said, “I love you, and you never have to be sorry about anything.” Then we hugged, kissed, and said good bye. So, instead of being sorry, I will be thankful for all of the wonderful things we did share.
Michael, my final thank you is: Thank you for choosing me. I love you, I will miss you, and you will always have a place in my heart.
Love,
Carrie
Mark Hershkowitz
November 1, 2001
Star Tribune
Published Oct 21 2001
Sports broadcast production guy Mark Hershkowitz worked through his
grief Saturday. Oct. 20 was supposed to be a celebration, the day that the
nephew he loved like a son, Michael Wittenstein, got married. Wittenstein
was on the job Sept. 11 as a Cantor Fitzgerald bond trader on the 104th
floor of the WTC. He was last heard from in three phone calls he made and
received after the planes hit below him. "I'm going to mark it by working this
weekend. For me it's therapy," said Hershkowitz, who handles TV
productions at the Dome for the Gophers and Vikings and at Target Center
for the Wolves. He wanted to go as planned to New York with his wife,
Ingrid, and the kids, Anna, 17, Liya, 15, and Billy, 10, but his sister
Barbara -- Wittenstein's mom -- asked that they come next weekend for
Michael's funeral. As is Jewish tradition, the family will bury some of
Wittenstein's possessions. Hershkowitz is pained by the thought that his
nephew might have had a chance with a parachute. "No one has said a word
or written about this except for you. (See my Thursday column.) Please get an
answer," said Hershkowitz, who believes parachutes should have been
standard at the WTC after the 1993 bombing, which Wittenstein survived. "I
have thought about buying him [a parachute] many times. I wish I [had],'
Hershkowitz said.
Ryan Treuhaft
October 31, 2001
There is not much I can say, but I would like you to know that I pray for Mike every night and our whole family. I hope things are getting better and I want you to know, I love you, and everyone else. God will bring us together in the end once we have fulfilled what we have been put here to accomplish and we will live in harmony and togetherness, I've missed you.
Love your nephew
Roy & Cindy Guthrie
October 31, 2001
I was trying to organize my photograps when I came across photos of Michael. This was several years ago when Roy and I visited with our boys. Do you remember the GIANT plastic dinosaur?
It also brought to my memory when Michale was out here in Los Angeles and we went over to Aunt Eleanor's house for dinner. And, Michael, being Michael was so patient with Matthew, Christopher and Jeremy, he didn't show one bit of frustration. He literally was on the floor playing and wrestling with the boys. Matthew remembers him.
I have my entire Church (almost 3,000 praying for Michael and for you both, Jeffrey, Caryn, John and Carrie. Our Priests also wanted to send you their condolences. (Father Mike and Father Blaise)
We wish we could give you hugs in person, but for now, we'll have to send it e-mail. Take care and hopefully, we'll be able to visit N. Y. soon.
With all our love,
Roy, Cindy and "the boys"
Barbara Wittenstein
October 31, 2001
Dearest Michael, How I miss you, this is so hard, i miss your morning phone calls to see how we are all doing. What a beautiful memorial service you had and also a beautiful service at the cemetery,all your aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and your fiancee, they came from all over. Please my dear son rest in peace, we will miss you so so much love forever, Mom
Internment 28October2001
October 30, 2001
28th October 2001
Dearest Michael,
I never would have imagined I would have to write something like this to one of my children. However events of September 11th have altered our lives and world history forever.
I fully realize that at times I may not have shown to you the affection and love I have for you, however please be aware that I truly loved you from the day you were born – your mother’s and my first child. You brought love and happiness to us all. Your achievements in school were a source of pride to us. We were fortunate to be able to share in your achievements, class trips and joys of childhood. You were a source of love and enjoyment to Grandmother, Dorothy, Grandmother, Isabel, Grandfather, William, Grandfather,
Milton and I am sure to Grandfather, Paul and Grandmother Sylvia.. The additions to our family of your brother, Jeffrey and sister, Caryn, brought a fullness to our lives. The three of you were a source of happiness and pride. Your special ability to put a smile on faces and joy to us was oh so natural for you.
Your family while small in number, all had nothing but love for you. Your Aunts,Frances, Eleanor, Elaine, Ingrid , Joanne and Elizabeth, and Uncles, Barry, Warren, Philip and Mark, and brother-in-law, John. Your cousins and of course and your nephew, Jared and niece Illana all will miss you terrible. How I look forward to you marriage to Carrie, who I truly adored. On a selfish note, I looked forward to having grandchildren from your marriage. A happiness that I shall not know, now. Michael, if I failed you in any way, I am truly sorry and would have done anything to trade places with you. Your last phone call on that terrible day plays over and over again in my head, I can’t bear to see that picture of the North Tower collapsing knowing you were in that building. Michael, my only consolation, shall be my belief in the immortal soul and the resurrection of our body so that I will see you again and touch you, hold you and tell you how much I love you. This loss and hurt will always be a part of me for as long as I may live, but, my love for you will endure for eternity.
Michael, rest in peace and be assured of all of our love.
Dad
Jennifer Treuhaft
October 25, 2001
I wanted to express my dearest sympothy for Barbra, Arnold, Jeff and Caryn. I think of all of you, along with Michael each day. And I love you all.
Prayer for Michael
October 25, 2001
O my God, the soul which Thou gavest me is pure; Thou didst create it, Thou didst form it, Thou didst breathe into me, Thou preservest it within me, and Thou wilt take it from me, but wilt restore unto me hereafter. So long as the soul is within me, I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord my God and God of my fathers, Sovereign of all works, Lord of all souls! Blesses art Thou, O Lord, who restorest souls unto the dead.
(Orthodox Prayer Book)
Michael with this pledge we affirm the talmudic belief in immortality of the soul combined with the resurrectionof the body, Rest in Peace.
Warren Treuhaft
October 24, 2001
How does one put into words certain feelings knowing that words do not exist to adequately express those feelings? The events of Sept. 11, 2001 will indelibly be forged into everyone’s memories but for those of us who lost a loved one, makes it that much more difficult.
Michael was one of those people who always had a smile, always seemed happy at whatever he was doing. His great sense of humor always made me and everyone else around him laugh. Ever since September 11, I’ve sat and thought of so many memories, and have watched family movies of Michael walking Chrissy (or was it the other way around?), playing stickball with Jeff or wrestling with Caryn. Michael was a truly gifted person who had a unique ability to bring joy to everyone he came into contact with. Four days ago was to have been your wedding to Carrie. You meant a lot to me Michael and obviously to so many others.
The following words are from William Wordsworth:
What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind;
You will be missed. I love you Michael.
Richelle Helman
October 23, 2001
Brian and I will remember Michael always, but our thoughts will turn to him especially on October 20 each year since he and Carrie's anniversary date was to be the same as our own. The Torah portion on their wedding day was to be the same as ours as well.
The senseless acts of September 11, 2001 occurred just before the ten holiest days on the Jewish calendar-the days of awe. Rabbis everywhere scrambled to rewrite their sermons to try and help their congregations make some sense of the tragedy. The following excerpt is from our Rabbi's (Rabbi Ira Korinow, Temple Emanu-El, Haverhill, MA) Kol Nidre sermon:
This, after all, is the season for confronting our mortality, for facing up to the unsettling truth that none of us knows how long we have to live. B'ROSH HASHANAH YIKATEVUN UV'YOM TZOM KIPPUR YEHATEMUN, it is decreed on Rosh Hashanah and confirmed on Yom Kippur, MI YICHYEH UMI YAMUT, who shall live and who shall die, who by sword and who by fire. I don't think the prayer asks us to believe that God decided last September that these thousands of people would not live to see another autumn, and that the terrorists were doing God's will. I think the prayer comes to warn us that, because life is precarious, make sure you start doing the things that really matter, the things that will ultimately win you your immortality. How do we make our lives matter to the world? The answer is, as Rabbi Harold Kushner says, we do it by loving the people around us and by helping the people around us. If you do just that little bit, you have changed someone's life and by so doing, you changed the world.
Michael definitely loved and helped the people around him and in doing so achieved immortality. He will continue to live in our thoughts and memories.
Kasandra Pantoja
October 23, 2001
May God bless your family and loved ones at this time. My prayers are with you. May God grant you peace.
COLLEEN ECKERT
October 22, 2001
I WANT TO CONVEY MY DEEPEST SYMPOTHY TO YOUR FAMILY IN THESE TRYING TIMES AND LET YOU KNOW THAT MICHAEL WAS A GREAT PERSON AND KNOW HE IS WATCHING OVER ALL OF YOU...
YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUHTS...
Dad
October 21, 2001
This note for Michael Wittenstein is a testament to Michael’s devotion to his family, his sense of humor, and the joy and happiness he brought to each and everyone. He was truly a gifted and giving
person. No act, no matter how evil it was, and this terrorist act was truly and evil and horrendous act, will deter from our memories of Michael. He was a joy to his mother, Barbara and father. A friend and brother to Jeffrey, as a Batman and Robin team they played
in childhood. A caring and watchful brother to his sister, Caryn. A loving Uncle to his nephew, Jared and niece Ilana. A true friend to his brother-in-law, John.
It was with such joy to his family when he met his fiancé Carrie and they set their Wedding date. They made an exceptional and loving couple who would have continued to bring joy to both families. To Elaine and Robert Bernstein, Carrie’s parents who welcomed Michael into their hearts and family, their loss is as great as
ours. Our love for Carrie is as great as our love for Michael. We thank them for the happiness they brought to Michael, and our family.
Throughout this most trying time Barbara and I would like to acknowledge the support we have received from our many friends and neighbors, as well as my son,Jeffrey, my daughter, Caryn, my son-in-law, John and in the truest sense of the word, our daughter, Carrie.
Our remembrance and love of Michael shall be eternal.
May his memory bring us all closer together in love.
Michael we all miss you so much.
Thank you.
Caryn Hinson
October 20, 2001
Michael, today has been the hardest day yet. Your wedding day, a day meant for dancing, laughing, toasting and loving, and yet it is a day of sadness, tears and unimaginable loneliness. I still can not believe you are gone from my life, I miss our morning calls, even though nothing new had happened we would just laugh over Lana and Jared’s antics or talk about ER or some other show we both watched the night before. And most nights one of us would call the other to check out Gene Rayburn’s tie or Richard Dawson’s suit or to tell the other what was being eaten on Survivor. I miss that, Mike,…….. I miss you. Just when I think I could not possibly cry another tear, I think of something else I miss about you and I cry all over again. I still call your office number sometimes and hope against hope that this was some terrible nightmare and I will hear your voice say “Cantor” . Or I will check my caller id to see if it reads “Cantor Fitz” (that’s all that fit on the window), but it has not happened and although I know in my head it won’t, I still pray with all my heart that it does happen. Mike you deserved so much more out of life and my heart breaks with all you will not experience, I love you and I miss you and I can not explain the complete emptiness I feel in knowing you are gone. The first thing Lana asks when she sees Carrie is “Where is Mike?” and Jared tells everyone how you are “in heaven with God”. Jared wears a angel pin and tells everyone how it’s his “Uncle Mikey who died and now keeps him safe and protects him and Lana”, he has made you into a superhero fighting monsters and other bad guys. You, my big brother, have always been my hero, rest in peace Michael. I love you and miss you and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Caryn
Jeffrey Wittenstein
October 19, 2001
Michael:
Tomorrow was to be your wedding day - one of the happiest days in your life. But because of a senseless act, you were denied this day and also denied a bright future. I was so looking forward to sharing your wedding day with you and Carrie as your best man. When you had asked me to be the best man, I took it as an honor of being your brother but most of all as being your best friend. People often say that time heals all wounds, but the wounds that this tragedy has caused will never end. You will always be cherished in my life and you will always be remembered.
May you rest in peace - your brother and best friend,
Jeffrey
Mickey Biuso
October 18, 2001
Michael,
When you were 12 years old I moved into the house next door to you. I watched you grow up and become a man. You were my friend. You were also like the brother I never had growing up as a kid myself.
Wrestling in the snow in front of the house in the winter, water fights in the summer chasing each other around our houses, the time you dumped a bucket of ice water on me when I was sleeping in the backyard, stickball games behind the Harbor school with you and Jeffrey, Zack, Mark, Gary, just to name a few of the fun times we had.
Michael, I will miss you more than words can express but I will always have wonderful memories of the good times we had. You were more than a friend, you were a part of my family. There is much sadness and anger still filling my emotions. I can only hope that will subside with time. I will always be so proud of your courage, and the love I feel in my heart for having known you will never subside......
Now that you probably have some pull, can you do something about the Mets.....
Lori & Greg Terrazi
October 17, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family and friends at this time.
June,Willi Nonnenmann & Family
October 16, 2001
What are the right words? There are
none! Michael rest in peace and God
Bless. Barbara, Arnold & family,
know that you are in our thoughts and prayers always.
June & Willi Nonnenmann& Family
Benjamin & Jessica Hinson
October 15, 2001
Not all angels get wings:
When a loved one of age uses up thier time on this earth and has done all that they have been sent to do they pass to a better place to get there wings and serve another purpose.
When a loved one is stolen from us there is still too much to do.They dont get there wings,they dont go away.They stay here closer to our hearts and souls than ever imagined.They protect there youngest and guide there oldest freinds and family to get the most out of our time here in our world.they are here to say hello every morning and at the end of the day to say good night and I love you.
You are missed by many
CHANA HERSHKOWITZ
October 15, 2001
MICHAEL
Your eyes filled with care and happiness.
Your smile filled with joy and laughter.
Your heart filled with kindness and love.
How does one say "Goodbye" to a person like you?
You - a friend , a cousin, a brother who was always there for me
How do I say "Goodbye" to someone who became such a part of my life?
Michael,
You are in a better place now, watching over us from above.
There are not enough words to express how much you are loved and how much you'll be missed.
You will always be remembered and your love will carry on for eternity
Farewell Michael
Love
Chana
Barbara Wittenstein
October 15, 2001
This is not the easiest thing for me to do, so please bare with me. Never would we have dreamed that such a horrific accident could happen, never dreamed that we would be doing this for you dear Michael.Mike you were so in love with Carrie and she with you, how we dreamed of walking you down the isle.How Jared and Ilanna were mad about you, jared now knows you are in heaven. So Michael our darling son, rest inpeace, we love you and we always, you will always be in our hearts. Our love to you always, Love and Kisses Mom
Jeffrey Wittenstein
October 15, 2001
To My Brother:
Michael, words alone can not express what I am feeling. It is so lonely without you. You will always be remembered and cherished in my life. I am a better person for having you as my brother and as my best friend. I know that one day we will see each other again. I know that you are in a better place looking down, and watching over all of us. My life will never be the same without you in it.
G-d Bless You, Michael - All My Love, Always.
Your brother, Jeffrey
Arnold Wittenstein
October 15, 2001
Dearest Michael, I am still so mad at this sensless act that took you from all of us. In spite of the support of your mother, Barbara, your brother, Jeffrey, your sister, Caryn, your brother-in-law, John, your fiancee, Carrie, your many relatives and friends, I am mad not being able to hold you, to touch you, to hear your voice, to see your impish smile, to watch you enjoy your Game Shows on TV. I am most mad about not being able to walk you down the aisle to marry your fiancee, Carrie, who you loved so much and who loved you. I am mad about the bright future you had infront of you that has been denied to you. I am mad about the children you would have had to love and cherish as we did you. The world is so much poorer with you gone. You have been part of me and always will be, Mike, I love you and miss you so much.
Dad
Liz Baganz
October 14, 2001
To all of Michael's family-We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Michael. We want you all to know that we are praying for you and our thoughts are with you. Mike and I were fortunate enough to meet Michael through Caryn and enjoyed many funny times at Caryn's home in New Paltz with him. We are sorry for your loss.
Caryn Hinson
October 13, 2001
Michael was truly a wonderful, I am so grateful and find such peace in knowing Michael knew how much I (we) loved him and I know how much he loved me (us), I have no feelings of "if only I said this". Michael was a wonderful brother and a spectacular uncle. My kids will surely suffer for not having their uncle Mikey in their lives anymore, but he will forever be in their hearts as well as mine. I just ask all who knew Michael to remember him, remember how he lived, how he brought joy, life and love to all who knew him. Rest in Peace Michael, we will see each other again.
Caryn
Michael and Robin Cohen
October 13, 2001
Though you weren't a part of our daily lives, we think of you often. We will always be here for the family. Such wonderful and caring parents as yours could only have had the wonderful and thoughtful child that you were.
HERSHKOWITZ FAMILY
October 12, 2001
A MEMORIAL TO MICHAEL.
JERUSALEM , ON THIS DAY OF ATONEMENT 2001
SHOULD WE SAY HOW WONDERFUL AND GOOD MICHAEL IS???
WHY? EVERYONE KNEW THAT.
MAYBE WE SHOULD WE SAY THAT HE IS PERFECT? BUT NO WAY, BEING PERFECT IS TO BE A BORE AND MICHAEL IS ANYTHING BUT A BORE.
SHOULD WE SAY THAT HE IS HANDSOME OR OF GREAT WIT OR THAT WHEN HE LAUGHED, HIS SPECIAL LAUGH, YOU JUST HAVE TO LAUGH WITH HIM. THAT CERTAINLY IS THE TRUTH.
OR MAYBE WE SHOULD REMIND YOU ALL OF HOW HE WALKED AROUND JERUSALEM AT THAT EARLY AGE AND WOULD GET ALL EXCITED AND POINT AT THE CEILING AND SAY THE FAN UNCLE BARRY THE FAN LAUGHING AWAY AND PUTTING US ALL IN HYSTERICS (YOU JUST HAD TO SEE THAT FACE). AND TO THIS DAY WHEN WE SEE ONE ,OR EVEN THINK OF A FAN, IT COMES WITH THE FAN UNCLE BARRY, THE FAN.
OR MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, I SHOULD LET YOU IN ON THE SECRET OF HOW I LET HIM BEAT ME AT BOWLING. ASK ANYONE WHO WAS AT THE ALLEY THAT NIGHT AND HE WOULD TELL YOU. (YOU KNOW WHAT. MAYBE WE SHOULD JUST FORGET THIS LITTLE INCIDENT)
YOU KNOW WHAT , I THINK , MAYBE , WE SHOULD REMIND YOU, THAT
MICHAEL IS THE OLDEST OF MY MOTHER AND FATHER S GRANDCHILDREN, AND HOW MUCH HE WAS ADORED WHEN HE WAS BORN. HE COULD HAVE TAKEN ADVANTAGE AND BEEN SPOILED BEYOND BELIEF, BUT HE WASN’T. ON THE CONTRARY I AM SURE THAT HE DIDN’T EVEN KNOW THE MEANING OF BEING SPOILED
AND MY MOTHER AND FATHER , HOW THEY WOULD LOVE HIM. AND HOW MICHAEL WOULD LOVE THEM. HOW GOOD HE WAS TO THEM, HOW GOOD HE WAS TO ALL OF US. JUST ASK ANYONE. HIS HEART IS SO BIG AND BEAUTIFUL I JUST FIND IT HARD TO REALIZE JUST HOW BIG AND BEAUTIFUL IT REALLY IS.
MICHAEL, OUR NEPHEW, OUR COUSIN, OUR FRIEND, IS A PERSON OF LOVE AND OF GOODNESS, OF LAUGHTER AND OF WIT, OF CLEVERNESS AND OF CHARM, OF SUCH BEAUTY, GOD, OF SUCH BEAUTY.
SO WHAT WE WANT TO SAY MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IS HOW LUCKY WE ARE WITH MICHAEL AS PART OF OUR LIVES.
HE WAS, HE IS, AND HE WILL BE SOMEONE THAT WILL NEVER, EVER LEAVE US.
LOVE YA MIKE
BARRY, ELAINE, SHAI, CHANA, ROCHELLI (& FAMILY)
Sandy & Seymour Rosen
October 12, 2001
God bless you Michael
CHANA HERSHKOWITZ
October 12, 2001
MICHAEL,
YOUR EYES FILLED WITH CARE AND HAPPINESS,
YOUR SMILE FILLED WITH JOY AND LAUGHTER
YOUR HEART FILLED WITH KINDNESS AND LOVE
Sterling Blumstein
October 11, 2001
I wish to extend my condolences to Michael's extended family, his Fiance and to all his friends. I think about him and this terrible tragedy, as you all do, daily.
Barry & Elaine Hershkowitz
October 11, 2001
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF US. LOVE YOU, AUNT ELAINE AND UNCLE BARRY
MARK HERSHKOWITZ
October 11, 2001
JUST WANTED TO ADD THIS......
MEMORIAL FOR MICHAEL WITTENSTEIN
EULOGY BY MARK HERSHKOWITZ
GIVEN SEPT 30 2001
SEAFORD NY
JUST ONE KIPPA
HOW IN THE WORLD DOES ANYONE START A LETTER LIKE THIS? ITS
IMPOSSIBLE… WHERE????? WHERE DO YOU BEGIN…? SUCH A YOUNG
PERSON ….SO MUCH MORE AHEAD OF HIM. HE WAS SUPPOSE TO GET
MARRIED OCT 20TH 2001. IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE A FUN TIME WITH FAMILY
AND FRIENDS. WE ALL HAD OUR TICKETS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS.
IT’S A STORY YOU WOULD
READ IN THE NEWS PAPER OR A STORY YOU WOULD SEE ON THE NEWS. IT
CAN’T HAPPEN TO MY FAMILY. IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE’S NOT MINE.
WE ARE ALL SO SAD. OUR DAYS HAVE BEEN FILLED WITH SO MANY TEARS.
I REMEMBER THE DAY HE WAS BORN. HOW GRANDPA WILLIE USE TO LOVE
LYING ON THE FLOOR IN OUR HOUSE AND HAVING MICHAEL
CRAWL ALL OVER HIM. WHEN HE WAS
A LITTLE OLDER GOING TO SEE THE DUCKS AND THEN GOING SWIMMING IN
THE SUNRISE POOL DOWN IN FLORIDA. HE CAME TO VISIT US IN MPLS A FEW TIMES. ONCE FOR
ANNA'S BAT MITZVAH AND ONCE FOR LIYA'S BAT MITZVAH . WE WOULD GO
OUT ON THE BOAT. ONE DAY MY FRIEND GEORGE AND I WERE TEACHING
HIM HOW TO WATER SKI. HE GOT INTO THE WATER. I EXPLAINED TO HIM
HOW TO PUT THE SKIS ON AND WHAT HE NEEDED TO DO. I FORGOT HE
COULDN’T SEE TO WELL WITHOUT HIS GLASSES AND HE WASN’T WEARING
HIS CONTACTS. I THOUGHT HE WAS LOOKING AT ME AND I TOSSED HIM THE
SKI. IT FLOATED RIGHT ON TOP OF THE WATER RIGHT TO HIM I MEAN HE
WAS LOOKING RIGHT AT US SO WE THOUGHT. WE YELLED WE SAW
HE WAS NOT RESPONDING. RIGHT IN THE KISSER….. THE SKI HIT HIM
RIGHT IN THE LIP …..I FELT SO BAD…. BUT HE WAS OK AND WE ALL
LAUGHED IT OFF.
I LOOKED FORWARD TO THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES PLAYING IN NY
AGAINST THE KNICKS AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. I KNOW I WOULD BE
THERE AND MICHAEL WOULD COME AND SIT IN THE TELEVISION TRUCK
WITH ME. IT WAS FOR ONLY A FEW HRS BUT AT LEAST WE GOT TO BE
TOGETHER. THE LAST TIME I WAS IN NY MICHAEL TOOK THE LONG ISLAND
RAILROAD WITH ME TO MADISON SQ GARDEN. IT WAS ABOUT NOON TIME.
NOV 2000 HE WAS GOING TO MEET CARRIE HIS FIANCÉ AND COME BACK
AND MEET ME LATER IN THE TV PRODUCTION TRUCK. HE
NEVER DID. THAT WAS THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM. HE WAS LIKE A SON TO
ME…. A BROTHER …..A GOOD FRIEND ……I LOVED HIM SO MUCH.
SUNDAY MORNING SEPT 9TH I GOT UP EARLY TO GO TO WORK. WE HAD A
VIKINGS GAME THAT MORNING AND NEEDED TO BE AT THE METRODOME
BY 8 AM. I HAD SOME COFFEE AND READ THE
PAPER BEFORE I LEFT. THERE WAS AN BOMB BLAST IN ISRAEL IN NAHARIHIA
AT A TRAIN STATION. 3 PEOPLE WERE KILLED. I HAD BEEN TO NAHARIHA
MANY TIMES I HAD GOOD FRIENDS THERE. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH MORE
ABOUT IT. ONLY 3 PEOPLE I SAID TO MY SELF. I THEN REMEMBERED
WHAT A TEACHER HAD TOLD ME BACK WHEN I WAS IN PUBLIC SCHOOL.
IT COULD BE A HUNDRED PEOPLE OR 5 PEOPLE OR JUST 1 PERSON. IF YOU
KNOW THAT 1 PERSON IT DON’T MATTER. YOU FEEL THE PAIN BIG TIME.
HOW WE ALWAYS WORRY ABOUT OUR FAMILY IN ISRAEL BARRY, ELAINE, ROCHELLE, YOAV,
CHANNA ,SHAI, AND ALL OUR FAMILY LIVING THERE . NEVER ABOUT
MICHAEL LIVING IN NY.
TUESDAY MORNING SEPT 11 STARTED OUT LIKE ANY OTHER NORMAL
MORNING. I TOOK BILLY MY SON TO THE BUS STOP. HE LIKES TO TAKE HIS
SCOOTER AND I DRIVE THE CAR. I TURNED ON THE RADIO LIKE I ALWAYS DO AND
HEARD THE REPORT OF THE PLANE HITTING THE TOWER. I HAD MY CELL
WITH ME SO I CALLED ARNOLD. ( MY BROTHER-IN-LAW) HE TOLD ME HE SPOKE TO MICHAEL AND
HE WAS ON HIS WAY OUT OF THE TOWER. WHEN I GOT HOME INGRID WAS ALREADY
CRYING. DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS SHE SAID. I TOLD HER I DID AND I HAD
ALREADY CALLED ARNOLD. MICHAEL WAS OK AND ON HIS WAY DOWN.
CNN WAS ON THE TUBE AND THEY WERE JUST SAYING THAT THEY TRIED
TO CALL SOME ONE FROM CANTOR FITZGERALD. THEY GOT THROUGH AND
THE PERSON ON THE PHONE SAID “ WE ARE F EN DYING UP HERE GET US
THE F OUT “ I KNEW IT WASN’T GOOD. TILL THEN NO ONE KNEW WHO OR
WHAT CANTOR-FITZGERALD WAS. I HAD TO ASK HIM NUMEROUS TIME
WHO DO YOU WORK FOR???????. NOW EVERYONE KNOWS. THE WHOLE
WORLD SAW THE DRAMATIC CRY OF THE CEO FROM CANTOR FITZGERALD ON TV.
WE WAITED FOR PHONE CALLS FROM BARBARA AND ARNOLD. WHEN THEY
DIDN’T CALL WE WOULD CALL THEM . WHEN WE GET SOME NEWS WE
WILL CALL YOU. THEY NEVER DID.
AT ABOUT 6:30 IN THE EVENING I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A GOOD FRIEND
OF MINE IN TORONTO. DANNY HERSHKOWITZ NO RELATION EVEN THOUGH
HE COULD HAVE BEEN. WE ARE LIKE FAMILY. HE IS FROM NAHARIHA. HE
CALLED TO ASK ME ABOUT MICHAEL AND TO INFORM ME THAT A FRIEND
OF OURS WAS KILLED IN THE BOMB BLAST ON SUNDAY EGAL GOLDSTEIN AN
ARCHITECT WHO WAS NOW LIVING IN JERUSALEM. WOW WHAT A DAY THIS
HAS BEEN . PLEASE G-D MAKE IT BE A BAD DREAM AND I WANT TO GET UP
………NOW……. HOW CAN THIS BE HAPPENING.
EVERYDAY WE WOULD CALL 2, 3 TIMES A DAY NO NEWS NOTHING…
WE CRIED ALL WE DID WAS CRY. FRIENDS WERE COMING OVER ALL THE
TIME. BRINGING US FOOD OR JUST BEING THERE WITH US.
WHAT EVER RELIGION THEY WERE THEY CALLED AND ASK FOR MICHAELS
FULL NAME SO THEY CAN PRAY FOR HIM AT CHURCH TEMPLE OR WHEREVER . FRIENDS AT WORK
CRIED ALONG WITH ME IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE DOME. ONE NON
JEWISH FRIEND GAVE US A BASKET OF APPLES AND HONEY ALONG WITH
PANCAKE SYRUP AND PANCAKE MIX
BECAUSE HE HEARD THAT’S WHAT WE GIVE ON ROSH HASHANAH. TRYING
TO CHEER US UP. WITH US THEY ALL FELT A CONNECTION TO THIS
TRAGEDY
YOM KIPPUR EVE WE SAT DOWN TO HAVE DINNER BEFORE GOING TO
TEMPLE. I OPENED THE DRAW TO
HAND OUT KIPPAS. I DECIDED TO READ THEM ….THE FIRST ONE WAS
ANNA'S
BAT MITZVAH THE SECOND ONE WAS LIYA'S BAT MITZVAH JEFFERY'S WAS
THE THIRD. THE 4TH ONE I PULLED OUT WAS FROM MICHAEL'S BAR
MITZVAH. TEARS HIT ME AGAIN …BILLY GRAB IT OUT OF MY HAND AND PUT
IT ON HIS HEAD. HE WANTED THAT ONE. I WAS GOING TO WEAR THAT ONE.
ANYWAY I GRABBED ANOTHER ONE IT WAS FROM COUSIN BONNIE'S AND MARTY'S
WEDDING. BONNIE AND MARTY'S??? HOW DID I GET THAT ONE. WHO SAID
THE NAMES ON THEM DON’T MEAN ANYTHING. I
COULDN’T HELP THINK THAT SOMEWHERE AUNT BEA HAD A STASH OF
ABOUT 50TH OF THEM. ( I LIKE TO THINK OF AUNT BEA AS A GENTLE
KLEPTO ) MAYBE SHE PLANNED ON SELLING THEM OR GIVING
THEM OUT IN HEAVEN. AFTER DINNER I TOOK THE KIPPA FROM BILLY.
TO ME IT’S A PART OF MICHAEL. APART OF MY NEPHEW I NEVER REALIZE I
HAD. I PUT IT IN MY TALIT BAG. THAT KIPPA WILL BE WITH ME FOREVER
TILL THE DAY I DIE. WHEN I GO TO SHULL ON ROSH HASHANAH, YOM
KIPPUR AND SHABBAT ………….. I WILL HAVE A PIECE OF
MICHAEL WITH ME. HOLIDAYS AND SHABBAT MEALS. THE BRUCHA FOR
BREAD AND WINE I WILL WEAR THAT KIPPA …… MICHAEL WE WILL MISS
YOU, MICHAEL WE ALL LOVE
YOU. THE METS AND THE JETS WILL MISS HAVING YOU AS A #1 FAN. JUST
THINK IT WAS LAST YEAR WHEN THE YANKS PLAYED THE METS IN
THE SUBWAY SERIES. NEW YORK CITY WAS CRAZY. HOW EXCITED
EVERYONE WAS. WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES
INGRID ANNA LIYA AND BILLY ALL SEND THEIR LOVE
AND KISSES THEY TOLD ME TO TELL YOU THAT WE ALL MISS YOU AND YOU
WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEART. ….. FOREVER……. GRANDMA ISABEL AND GRANDPA WILLIE PLEASE
TAKE GOOD CARE OF HIM. HIS GRANDPA MILTY AND FREDDY 2 WILL ALSO
BE THERE FOR HIM. WE CALLED HIM FREDDY 2 BECAUSE HE HAD 2 LEGS AS
OPPOSED TO FREDDY 4 OUR DOG THAT HAD 4 LEGS. THIS WAS SO THE KIDS
KNEW WHO WE WERE REFERRING TO.
WE ALL KNOW AUNT BEA WILL TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF HIM.
OH YES ONE MORE THING …. I WANT TO THANK AUNT BEA FOR LEAVING ME
JUST ONE
KIPPA.
NOTE: MICHAEL WITTENSTEIN WAS MURDERED IN THE ATTACK ON THE WORLD TRADE CENTER SEPT 11TH 2001. HE WORKED ON THE 104TH FLOOR OF TOWER 1 FOR CANTOR FITZGERALD. 700 OF HIS COWORKERS ARE MISSING.
ALONG WITH THOUSANDS MORE.
MARK HERSHKOWITZ IS MICHAELS UNCLE WHO LIVES WITH HIS FAMILY IN BLOOMINGTON MN
WAITING FOR THE HURT AND THE PAIN TO GO AWAY KNOWING IT NEVER WILL.
PLEASE DONATE TO THE CANTOR FITZGERALD FUND
http://www.cantorrelief.org
or 1 800-446 0500
Mark Hershkowitz
October 11, 2001
Michael
We love you and will miss you so much.
ANNA LIYA BILLY AUNT INGRID AND UNCLE MARK
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